The best shield of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell

Life is a continuous decision making. Mario Hezonja he had it all in him real Madrid: comfort, stability, importance. But his ambition is greater and the NBA was always an option for him. Many did not understand it, but Hezonja did not care and decided to leave it to speak where he knows how best: on the track.

I had everything in Europewas one of the best players in the Euroleague and many teams would pay a lot of money to have his services. However, the Croatian’s winning mentality led him towards another destiny. Who isn’t attracted to playing in the best league in the world and, even more so, on a ring candidate team like the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Balkan eaves He signed for one season in exchange for 2.8 million. An amount not much greater than what he received at Real Madrid, but it is an act that once again says a lot about the ‘Super Mario’ mentality.

Guarantee player

Obviously, he has not been a player unknown to NBA fans after his first stage between 2015 and 2020 in which he played for the Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers.

However, they have found a more mature man – far from the young man from Dubrovnik who arrived for the first time 10 years ago -, a more team player and fully aware of his role in these ‘Cavs’ with such a powerful starting quintet formed by Peyton Watson, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

And, from the bench, Thomas Bryant, rookie Meleek Thomas and Mario Hezonja himself They provide quality minutes and a reliable rotation for their franchise players. There is no doubt that the start has not been the best (five wins and four losses), but it is a team that always competes.

At the foot of the canyon

This morning, in the overwhelming victory against the powerful Philadelphia 76ers (119-95)one man has stood out above the rest beyond the starters Harden (17), Mitchell (23) and Mobley (22). Mario Hezonja has signed his first double-double with the Cavaliers after registering 15 points and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Without a doubt, his best game at the start of the season in which he is averaging 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20 minutes on track.

Hezonja has got it right and, for now, is contradicting the saying that “second parts were never good”. He has started really well, his contract is being cheap value for money and he can extend his second NBA stage beyond this year.